P'Burg teacher resigns as coach

School board officials have been conducting inquiry on his conduct.

July 25, 2006|By Harley Rissmiller Special to The Morning Call - Freelance

Phillipsburg High School wrestling and cross-country coach Rick Thompson announced his decision to step down from those posts at the Phillipsburg Board of Education meeting on Monday, saddening hundreds of supporters who turned out at the meeting.

"I deeply regret to announce that I am resigning as the cross country and wrestling coach at Phillipsburg High School," said Thompson, who asked to address the board after meeting with them in a two-hour executive session where an investigation of the coach's conduct was discussed. "It's the best decision for my family."

Last week, the board announced it had been investigating the popular coach's conduct since early spring and that the inquiry was ongoing.

Although bits and pieces relating to the investigation have surfaced in the community and the media, the board, on the advice of its labor attorney Richard Bauch, have remained silent on the nature of the investigation and continued that silence Monday.

The charges were serious enough that board officials claimed to, at least, avoid offering Thompson a new coach's contract for the 2006-07 school year. Coaches' contracts are done annually.

Bauch declined to say whether Thompson's resignation came as a result of any deal with the board.

Board President Paul Rummerfield, however, made a point of saying that the board did not ask Thompson to resign. Bauch would not state whether Thompson's resignation puts an end to the investigation.

"All I'll say is this matter is going to be resolved to everybody's satisfaction very soon," he said. "Nobody on either side of this wants to deflect from the district's educational mission."

Thompson declined to comment to the media but did, in his statements, express his appreciation for the public's support and the opportunity to work in the district. "I just want to thank you so much for what you've meant to me and my family," he said.

The crowd of Thompson supporters and the board gave Thompson a standing ovation after he made his announcement, after which they all left the auditorium. Nearly all the supporters present commiserated with Thompson on their way out.

Bauch said Thompson's decision does not affect his status as a physical education/health teacher in the district. He would not comment on whether the final resolution of the matter would touch on the teaching position.

The board has not filled the cross country position yet, but assistant wrestling coach Scott Silvis was appointed head wrestling coach on an interim basis.